WFM Halder Sneha Clinches Double Titles at the 7th SSC Open International Rating Chess Championships 2025 in Sri Lanka.
The 7th SSC Open International Rating Chess Championships 2025, organised by the SSC International Chess Academy on behalf of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, Asian Chess Federation, and FIDE, concluded on a triumphant note at the Grand Rockland Hotel, Welewatta, Matara. Held from the 1st to 5th of May, the tournament brought together a vast field of local and international chess players, offering a total prize fund of Rs. 1,600,000.00. The event was a major success both in terms of participation and quality of competition, featuring a dual format with Standard and Blitz Championships, attracting a combined participation of over 850 players.
WFM Halder Sneha of India emerged as the undisputed star of the event, securing a rare and remarkable double victory by winning both the Open titles in the Standard and Blitz Championships. In the Standard format, which was conducted as a 10-round Swiss system tournament with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move from the start, Halder dominated the field by scoring 9 out of 10 points. She finished ahead of a strong contingent, while three players tied for second place with 8.5 points. With superior tie-breaks, A A H M B Senarathne and CM G Haritha Hansana were awarded the first and second runners-up positions, respectively, while Geenuka Kavinu Gunaweera had to settle for fourth place.
In the Women’s category of the Standard Championship, B Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera claimed the title with a strong performance, scoring 7.5 points. Four players tied at 7 points, and based on tie-breaks, A S M I Umandi Mudalige and R P Hansali H Thrinethsaree secured the first and second runners-up positions. K K Hansali Dasanya and R B Pumudi Hansadi completed the top five. Notably, in the senior category, Halder Bhogirath of India won the championship with 6.5 points, showcasing the depth of experience at the event.
In the institutional team segments, Sri Lanka Air Force won the title in the Mercantile and Government Services category, while NSBM Green University emerged as champions in the Higher Education category. Numerous age-group and rating-category winners were also recognised, further encouraging the participation of emerging talent across all levels.
The Blitz Championship, held on the third day, followed a 9-round Swiss format with a time control of 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment per move. The event attracted 337 participants. WFM Halder Sneha once again showcased her supremacy in fast-paced chess by scoring 8.5 out of 9 points, clinching her second title of the tournament. Three players finished just behind her with 8 points each. AGM G K Pasindu Nimsara Dharmakeerthi and Y Jayaweera were awarded the first and second runners-up positions based on tie-breaks, while C U Hettiarachchi had to be content with fourth place.
In the Women’s Blitz Championship, WCM K M Dahamdi Sanudula won the title with 7 points, narrowly edging out WCM M Esandi Newansa on tie-breaks after both players tied at the top. Three players tied for third place with 6.5 points, and Hesanya Thanthulage secured the second runner-up position based on tie-breaks. Lithuli Chanara Ravisinghe and M Sanindee Niwetha Kularathna completed the top five.
The closing ceremony was graced by several distinguished personalities from the Sri Lankan chess community. The Chief Guest was Vidya Vibhushana Keerthi Sri Desha Keerthi Dulanga Dilhan, Founder and CEO of SSC Chess International Chess Academy, FIDE Arbiter, and National Chess Training Consultant. He was joined by Mr. Chamara Prageeth, Managing Director of SSC Chess International Chess Academy and Tournament Director, as well as Mr. Wajira Gunasinghe, International Arbiter and Chief Arbiter of the Championship, and Mr. Niroshan Chathuranga, International Arbiter and National Chess Training Consultant, who also serves as Tournament Secretary of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka.
The 7th SSC Open International Rating Chess Championships 2025 successfully combined professional excellence, broad participation, and efficient organisation, reinforcing its place as a landmark event in South Asia’s chess calendar. The tournament not only celebrated elite performances but also fostered opportunities for rising talent, reaffirming the event’s commitment to the growth of chess at all levels.
